A strategic framework released in late May by the "Milwaukee 7" (M-7) group -- seven counties in Southeast Wisconsin uniting around an economic-development agenda -- calls for the region to align its assets with the needs of technology-driven, innovative, lean, and agile employers.

Among the nation's top 50 metropolitan areas, the Milwaukee area still ranks second in manufacturing jobs. While more than 41,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost in the region since 1999, it remains home to a large number of these tech-driven, "Next Generation" manufacturers.

"Many Next Generation manufacturers employ workers with higher skills and productivity and increasingly are using a more sophisticated level of technology," M-7 notes. "These firms present opportunities for growth."

The needs of Next Generation Manufacturing are well-matched to the assets of the region, M-7's framework document notes, including an experienced workforce, a critical mass of interconnected enterprises, a strong infrastructure, relative cost parity, and global reach.

"The opportunities created by aligning industry needs with our assets will produce specific strategies for driver industries and help build a regional agenda, it concludes.

A new, M-7 Next Generation Manufacturing Council led by industry leaders will now create a detailed action plan and report on potential initiatives.

The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation in Milwaukee provides support to M-7 for major parts of its work.